Sample Letter Requesting a Pay Raise

Nervous about asking for a pay raise? Putting your request in writing might make it easier. A written request gives you a chance to pitch the reasons why you’re worth more than what you’re currently getting paid, without stammering over your choice of words.

Is It Really OK to Negotiate Salary By Email or Letter?

Some career experts will tell you that in-person is the only way to go when it comes to negotiating a pay raise. That’s not necessarily the case.

Many (if not most) people are uncomfortable talking about salary. This is true for both the people in charge of giving out raises and the people hoping to receive them. In fact, data collected for PayScale’s Salary Negotiation Guide showed that only 43 percent of respondents had ever negotiated salary in their current field. Twenty-eight percent of folks who didn’t ask for a raise listed discomfort talking about salary as their reason for holding back.

Making the request in writing helps ease any discomfort you or your boss might feel. It gives your manager a chance to consider your request before he or she responds.

Sending a written request avoids putting your supervisor on the spot, and it can pave the way for a discussion about your wages and a potential increase.

No need to worry about forgetting what you want to say or stumbling over the words when you can write it all down.

Your letter also provides formal documentation of your request for a pay increase. It’s always best to have a paper trail for important business communications. Unlike a verbal conversation, a letter requesting a pay raise documents exactly what you’ve asked and how you’ve asked it.

What to Include in Your Letter or Email Message

Before you even begin writing your letter, make sure that your salary request is reasonable. Conduct research to determine the appropriate range for your position, experience, and accomplishments. Remember that the goal is to show that you deserve a raise – that you’ve earned it and that it’s in line with the market for your skills, experience and job title.

Once you’ve determined an appropriate range, it’s time to build your case.

It’s crucial to be specific when you’re asking for a salary increase. Quantify your accomplishments and achievements whenever possible.

Don’t expect your manager to know everything you’ve done on the job. (In fact, as an ongoing practice, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of writing down everything you accomplish, so that you can refer to your achievements at review time or when you’re asking for a raise.)

Take the time to spell it out for them so they can clearly see why you may warrant a raise. This also provides support for your request if your manager needs to get approval from others at the company or from the human resources department. The more solid information you can provide, the more likely you are to get the increase you’re asking for.

Sample Letter Requesting a Raise (Text Version)

I have greatly enjoyed working at XYZ Sales Company for the past three years. In those years, I have become an integral member of the sales team, and have developed innovative ways to contribute to the company.

For example, in the past year alone, I have achieved the following goals:

Highest-ranking salesperson in customer satisfaction last quarter

Brought two new high-profile clients to the company, increasing total company sales revenue by 10%

I believe I have gone above and beyond the benchmarks we set for my position when I arrived at the company three years ago.

I would therefore appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss increasing my salary so that it is commensurate with my current performance. I request a pay raise of six percent, which I believe reflects both my current competencies and industry averages.

Once again, I am grateful to be a member of this organization, and I enjoy taking on assignments that allow me to contribute to the company.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Melody Brown

Sending Your Letter Via Email

Most offices rely on email for written communication. If you send your request for a raise via email, the bulk of your letter will be the same as in a hard copy. There are, however, some small differences to keep in mind:

Proofread your letter and send yourself a test copy, to make sure that your formatting comes out the way you intended. Only when you’re sure that everything is correct should you send it to your manager.

Sample Email Letter Requesting a Pay Raise

Subject Line:George Smith – Meeting Request

Hi Jane,

Now that the XYZ project is in the rear view and we’re all settling back into our regular routines, I wanted to drop you a line to ask if we can have a meeting to discuss my compensation.

As you know, I started at ABC Corp two years ago as an intern and came on board at a salary that was slightly low in the pay band, with the understanding that we would revisit my pay at review time. Since then, of course, we’ve all been too busy to think much about anything but hitting our deadlines.

I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to start my career with mentors like you and Jack, and to continue to learn in a company that’s growing so fast. Over the past two years, I’ve gladly assumed many hats, including lead on our latest project. In addition, I’ve always exceeded my own goals without missing a single deadline. I’ve also continued developing my skillset, taking classes in UX design.

My research indicates that a raise of 10 percent would be appropriate. I’d love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss in person.